Hifiman is one of the most recognizable names in the audiophile space today. I’d place them just behind companies like Sennheiser in terms of reputation — and that’s saying something, especially considering Hifiman only entered the scene in 2009. Sennheiser, after all, released its first headphone back in 1968 with the HD414. So to see Hifiman gain this much ground in such a short time is pretty remarkable.

It all began with the release of the HE-5 in 2009, a bold reintroduction of planar magnetic driver technology. At the time, planars had largely fallen into obscurity — seen as niche or even outdated. But with the help of Audeze and Hifiman, planar magnetics came roaring back into the mainstream. I don’t have the original HE-5 here, but I do have its immediate successor: the HE-5LE, released in early 2010. This was essentially a revision of the HE-5 aimed at addressing some of the complaints around build and durability. Not long after, Hifiman released the legendary HE-6 — a headphone now cemented in audiophile history.

It’s been over 15 years since the HE-5LE debuted. The question is: does it still hold up today?

Let’s get this out of the way—yes, Hifiman has long been criticized for its build quality. And in the case of the HE-5LE, that reputation is mostly deserved. These headphones have a track record of failure, and finding one in fully working condition isn’t easy. My unit has the grill mod installed, which helps open up the sound slightly. The headband mechanism feels clunky and not particularly confidence-inspiring, though it doesn’t ruin the comfort.

The real problem lies in the connectors. Hifiman used coaxial connectors instead of the more modern 3.5mm type, and it’s a flawed choice. If you accidentally yank the cable, it doesn’t disconnect cleanly—it can just break. It’s a likely contributor to the failure rate of these units.

With a sensitivity of 87.5 dB/mW, these are incredibly inefficient headphones. Compared to something like the Audeze LCD-X, the difference is huge. It’s wild to think that the HE-5LE is still more efficient than the HE-6—because even here, you’ll need a serious amp to get clean volume.

This is one of the few headphones that made me actually reach for the high gain mode on my Schiit Asgard. By contrast, something like the LCD-X doesn’t need that kind of power at all.

Surprisingly, comfort isn’t bad. They weigh just over 400g, so they’re not especially light, but also not burdensome. I’ve been able to wear them for extended periods without discomfort. They’re not winning any ergonomic awards, but they get a pass.

The bass is flat and well-extended, reaching deep into the sub-bass regions. It also takes well to EQ, which means you can dial in a bit more slam if you want. That said, don’t expect LCD-X levels of impact—it’s more restrained than that.

Still, for an open-back headphone from 2010, this is impressive bass performance. Many open-backs roll off significantly below 40Hz, but the HE-5LE stays strong down to 20Hz. That linearity was one of the key advantages of planar magnetics at the time, and a big reason why their return was so welcomed in the audiophile community.

Here’s where things get trickier. Hifiman has long had a habit of scooping out the upper mids—typically from around 1kHz to 2.5kHz—and that’s the case here too. I’m not a fan of this tuning choice. Vocals feel recessed and lack the body and forwardness I look for. Some argue this scoop gives the illusion of greater soundstage, and while I get the theory, I don’t think the tradeoff is worth it.

Still, I won’t be too harsh—it’s a signature that has clearly worked for Hifiman, since it persists in many of their models even today. I can adapt to it over time, and eventually it starts to sound fine. But the moment I apply EQ to bring those upper mids forward, I enjoy the headphone that much more.

This is where things get spicy. I believe Hifiman was chasing raw resolution with the original HE series—and they succeeded, but at a cost. The HE-5LE tones things down a bit from the original HE-5, but it still comes across as too bright for my taste. Certain tracks can sound overly sharp or even mechanical.

That said, I get what Hifiman was trying to do. They wanted these headphones to sound technically impressive and to distinguish planar tech from traditional dynamic drivers. Today, most of their lineup has matured past this—modern Hifiman models are far more refined in the treble. But with the HE-5LE, you’re still dealing with that slightly harsh and fatiguing upper-end.

The staging here is genuinely enjoyable. That infamous upper mid scoop might be helping create the sense of space, but whatever the reason, it works. There’s enough room for instruments and vocals to breathe, and nothing feels congested or closed-in.

It’s clear what Hifiman was aiming for with the HE-5 and HE-5LE—they wanted to make a bold statement, and they did. These headphones helped reintroduce planar magnetics to the modern market and put Hifiman on the map. Today, they’re a household name among audiophiles.

Judged by modern standards, however, the HE-5LE falls short in some key areas. There are plenty of headphones now that offer better tuning, easier drivability, and more robust build quality. Even within Hifiman’s current lineup, you’ll find options that surpass this model in almost every way.

That said, for collectors or fans of the brand’s history, the HE-5LE remains a fascinating piece of headphone heritage. It still sounds good in many ways—but I can’t confidently recommend it over newer alternatives, especially given its fragility and the demands it places on amplification.

Aside from comfort, I think the LCD-X wins across the board. It sounds far more natural, with a smoother, more coherent tuning. Some may find the LCD-X a bit dark, especially compared to the HE-5LE’s more elevated treble, but I find that it offers a more enjoyable listening experience overall.

The HE-5LE might present more detail on paper due to that treble lift, but to my ears, it comes off as forced. The LCD-X also takes exceptionally well to EQ, whereas the HE-5LE, while EQ-friendly, demands a powerful amp to get the most out of it.

Winner: Audeze LCD-X (2021)

Back in the day, comparing an electrostatic headphone like the 404 LE to a planar like the HE-5LE was exciting. They couldn’t be more different in presentation. I’ve never been the biggest fan of the 404 LE, but I still think it has a lot of potential—especially when EQ’d properly.

When stacked against the HE-5LE, I prefer the 404 LE’s vocal presentation. It can sound a bit too forward on some tracks, but I’d take that over the recessed mids of the HE-5LE. Bass performance is better on the HE-5LE, with deeper extension. But overall, the 404 LE sounds more natural to my ears—a potentially hot take, but one I stand by.

If you’re sensitive to forward vocals, the HE-5LE might be more your thing. Both headphones have strengths and weaknesses, but for now, I give the slight edge to the Stax.

Winner: Stax 404 LE / Sig

Comparing old-school Hifiman to their modern lineup is fascinating. The HE-5LE was once a flagship, while the Ananda Stealth is a more entry-level option by today’s standards. Yet, the newer headphone clearly benefits from over a decade of evolution.

In terms of raw sound, the Ananda Stealth is simply the better headphone for most listeners. While it still has some treble quirks—like a peak around 7kHz—it generally sounds more open, more natural, and more forgiving. It’s also far more efficient, giving you better headroom for EQ and more flexibility with amplification.

The HE-5LE still has charm and historical significance, but when it comes to everyday use, I’d reach for the Ananda Stealth more often than not.

Winner: Hifiman Ananda Stealth (2023)

Driver Type - Planar Magnetic

Impedance - 38 ohms

Sensitivity - 87.5 dB / 1mW

Frequency Response - 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz

Weight - ~405 grams (without cable)

Connector Type - coaxial screw-in

Release Year - 2010

Discontinued - Yes